Diabetes complications are health problems that will develop if diabetes is left untreated. Often, these complications can be more critical than the disease itself. Learning about the effects that diabetes can have helps manage the condition or take preventive measures. This article provides basic information about short- and long-term implications of diabetes.

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body’s mechanism for regulating glucose breaks down. Glucose is a monosaccharide sugar which is obtained by digesting food. It is used to provide energy to all the cells in our body. Its distribution throughout the body is governed by a hormone called insulin, which is produced in the pancreas.

Forms Of Diabetes

There are two common forms of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2. In the former, insulin production becomes insufficient or stops. The latter sees a state where the body’s cells stop responding to insulin. Both types result in excessive levels of glucose or sugar in the blood.

Left untreated, this can lead to several problems. Just a minor increase in blood sugar levels above limits can have serious effects over a prolonged period. Excessive levels of glucose damages blood vessels, nerves, and even organs. Listed below are some of the major diabetes complications.

Nephropathy: This term refers to kidney damage or disease. High levels of blood sugar means the kidneys have too much filtration to do, and this can lead to kidney damage. In extreme cases, it can also cause total kidney failure, necessitating a kidney transplant.

Retinopathy: This is damage to the eye’s retina. Delicate vessels and capillaries at back of the eye may become blocked. This impairs the normal passage of light through the eye, causing a loss of vision. If not addressed properly, this can even cause permanent vision loss. Getting regular eye check-ups would help in providing timely treatment for this problem.

Neuropathy: This refers to damage to nerves. The extremely fine blood vessels in nerves are easily damaged by high levels of glucose. This may cause a tingling sensation or sharp needle-like pain in fingers and toes.

Additionally, damaged nerves may reduce sensory perception. This means that tiny nicks and cuts may go unnoticed, particularly on the feet. These can develop into more serious infections. Closely inspecting one’s feet at the end of each day is a good means of avoiding infections from festering.

Heart Disease And Stroke: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing heart disease. High blood sugar levels can lead to arteries and veins becoming clogged up. This can cause high blood pressure, and increase the chances of strokes or heart attacks.

Problems listed here are common for both Type 1 diabetes complications and Type 2. However, there are a few diabetes complications that are type specific.